De Gea says Manchester United won’t lie down in hunt for Europe

David de Gea says Manchester United are determined to ensure that they will be competing in European competition next season.

The reigning Premier League champions have been unable to put themselves in a position to defend their top-flight crown in 2013/14, and have slipped off the pace in the race for UEFA Champions League qualification.

David Moyes’ men – in his first campaign at the Red Devils’ helm – sit seventh at present, nine points adrift of the top four and three behind sixth-placed Tottenham Hotspur.

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Edging above Spurs would guarantee them a Europa League berth, and Spanish goalkeeper De Gea claims bringing continental football back to Old Trafford is a top priority.

He told United’s official website: "There are still plenty of important games to play. We are Manchester United and it’s our duty to win every game we take part in.

"That’s what we’ll try to do now because we want to finish as high as we can in the league, ensure we’re playing in a European competition next season and show we are still around and that we will never give in."